The Correct Interpretation of Paul on Faith and Works
Dear Reader,
The object of this paper is to prove that we are saved (justified) by works as well as faith. Certain SDA folk are teaching on the Internet that good works are only a result (fruit) of salvation and not an intrinsic part and requirement for justification.
Note: It should be mentioned to the readers of this paper that I have followed Matthew 18 for over a year now remonstrating with Karl Wagner on this issue. Because he has steadfastly resisted the truth I have presented to him, I now have to take it to the church at large for the purpose of warning others of this insidious teaching.
Karl Wager and mainstream "Christianity" say that we are saved by faith alone. Karl said that Abraham was justified by his faith not works. I am telling you friend in all truth, that the following "apparent contradictions" of Scripture CANNOT be reconciled by Karl Wagner's interpretation of Paul on faith and works. Notice:
Jam 2:24 Ye see then that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Karl quotes Paul thusly: Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
So James says that a man is justified by works and not faith only, while Paul says that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. How do we reconcile this so that nothing contradicts? I have told Karl that any time Paul speaks of works he is speaking of self-generated works. In context, he is always telling the Jews that they cannot be justified by their own works. Remember, they were renown for believing they were saved if they kept the law on their own steam. Paul was remonstrating against this gross error. This is the only interpretation we can place on Paul's treatises on works without making him contradict himself and James on faith and works and other scriptures on the express subject. Note in this document all the scriptures that would be contradictory if we accept Karl's as well as mainstream Christianity's interpretation of Paul on faith and works.
Jam 2:14 What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Jam 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Abraham Was Justified by Works
Jam 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Jam 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Recall that Karl Wagner teaches that Abraham was justified by his faith, NOT WORKS. Karl is a frequent speaker and Bible teacher in his SDA church in Arizona.
Phinehas was Accounted Righteous Because of Works:
30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. Psalm 106:30, 31.
Rahab Was Justified by Works
Jam 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?
Abel's Works Were Righteous:
1Jo 3:12 Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
So we find that faith without works will not save anyone. We are saved by our works also because they testify to our faith--they validate our faith as being genuine.
The very fact that we are judged according to OUR WORKS, is proof that works are efficacious if they have been performed out of a motive of love for and faith in Christ. The BIG FACTOR is the motivation. Any work performed with "fire insurance" as the motive, is fruitless and worthless, lest any man should boast. Any work performed out of a motive of love for THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, Jesus Christ, is efficacious. If this is not true, then we should not be judged by our works whether good or bad. God would be responsible for all such works--good or bad!
2Cr 11:15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Works automatically implicate faith because works are proof of faith. They (faith and works) cannot be separated when they involve valid works performed out of the proper motivation.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Paul, in such cases, is always referring to self-generated works of the law. There are at least seven major proofs of this fact:
Paul says in Hebrews that we are judged according to our works when he says that God is the author of salvation unto all who obey. Heb. 5:9.
Paul said that we are given grace (unmerited favor) for obedience. Rom. 1:5.This ties the gift of grace as pardon with the gift of grace as power to obey. This gift is translated into us being able to partake of the Divine Nature of Christ:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
James says that faith without works is blind (presumptuous) faith.
James says that we are saved (Justified) by works.
Scripture gives examples of a number of persons who were justified (counted righteous) because of works inclusive of Abraham who was the father of the faithful.
James says that we shall be judged by the Law of Liberty. The Law of Liberty is the Ten-commandment Law. That law could only judge violations of, or obedience to it, and such violations or obeyances involve works. This is how and why we are judged by our works.
Jam 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
- The remnant keep the commandments of God. This would be impossible without the God given provision of grace (unmerited favor) that is given us NOT JUST FOR PARDON, but FOR OBEDIENCE. This is why no man can boast of his/her works. This is why no matter how much sin abounds, grace to overcome sin abounds more:
This is why grace enabled works and works meet for repentance are conditions that accompany justification--being saved. If these "conditions" are not incorporated in the life, grace is turned into presumptious lasciviousness and the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which denies that works are essential for salvation. Karl Wagner and many other professing Seventh-day Adventists, teach this insidious doctrine because they teach that works are not essential for justification, but are fruits only after one is saved. Therefore, one is saved in his/her sin in lieu of from sin by grace that is available to overcome sin. This is a serious problem in the SDA church. This is why Laodicea is lukewarm. She has not bought gold (faith and love) tried in the fire of the fiery law which tests our love by our obedience. This is what "tried in the fire" means:
Deu 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them.
Why, pray tell, would Laodicea feel any need to buy gold (faith and love) tried in the fire of obedience to the fiery law when it is taught by the church and members like Karl Wagner, that they don't need it--that works of obedience are not conditional to justification or being saved?! This is how grace for obedience is turned into lasciviousness--the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which God especially hates, Rev. 2 and 3.
"(Jude 4).--The Sin of the Nicolaitans.--Is it [our sin] the sin of the Nicolaitans, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness." E.G. White, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 957.
Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Rom 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
1Jo 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
1Jo 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1Jo 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
2Jo 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Rev 22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Psa 32:2 Blessed [is] the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit [there is] no guile.
Jhn 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
1Pe 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Rev 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Tts 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Again, in order not to contradict other vital scriptures, this has to refer to our own works that are not prompted by the Holy Spirit. His "own purpose and grace" is given for works of obedience, Rom. 1:5.
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Jhn 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Abraham was counted righteous because of his works deriving from His faith.
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.
Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Imputed righteousness refers to pardon for sin which we can do nothing about but regret and be sorrowful for.
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Tts 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Tts 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tts 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Here again, our own personal works without the Spirit's empowerment are useless and are not efficacious toward anything.
Tts 3:8 [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Something that is "profitable unto men" is meritorious.
Hbr 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Dead works are those performed of our own selfish motives.
Hbr 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hbr 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Jam 2:14 What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Good works glorify God
1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Isa 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp [that] burneth.
Isa 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
See how repentance is associated with works?!
Judged According to Works
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Some say we are saved by faith alone. If that is the case, then why are we not judged according to faith alone? We are judged according to our works which prove or test our faith, just like Abraham was tested.
Works performed by grace given for obedience is an entirely different type of work. The power is a gift from God which is accepted as a package deal involving acceptance of all His gifts. Works performed by grace given for obedience, (Rom. 1:5), involve works done out of the proper motives--such as love for God and love for the brethren. By such works we prove our love for God and the brethren 1 John 5:2,3. Were these works of imputation or impartation by proxy from Christ, how would that be any proof of our love for Him? In other words, if we were merely being programmed by Him to work His works, then how would that prove anything regarding our love for Him and the brethren?
Ron Beaulieu
P.S. During my discourse with Karl Wagner, he told me I had "lost it," because I implicated works with being justified or saved. I asked Karl if he equated the term justified with being saved. Here is his response and mine to him:
Karl,
Thank you for answering as I thought you believed--that justification means saved. You did say: "When one is justified, one is saved."
Now, Karl, my friend, reconcile your theology with the following Scripture:
Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Was James of Scripture a legalist as you have branded me? You refer to me as a legalist and tell me I have "lost it" because I teach that works guided by the Holy Spirit are essential for salvation--justification.
Apparently, according to Karl Wagner, James of Scripture fame "lost it" also because he says that man is justified (saved) by works and not just faith. From henceforth, unless you will lower yourself to discard scripture that does not agree with your theology in order to advance your personal opinion theology, you will be forced to harmonize the above verse with all the verses by Paul that you sent to me.
If you attempt to follow the true and honest course of interpreting so that nothing contradicts when leaving nothing out, then you will be forced to conclude in agreement with me that Paul, in context, every time he mentions not being saved by works, was rebuking the Jews who all believed they were saved and saved by their commandment-keeping on their own steam. Their works of commandment-keeping were not motivated by love for God and one another. Their commandment-keeping was not prompted and enabled by the Holy Spirit. This is what was wrong with their works. Therefore, instead of giving credit to the Holy Spirit for aid in commandment-keeping, they felt proud and boasted of their own self-willed works. This is the context of Paul every time he speaks against works. Otherwise he contradicts himself in the following verse:
Hbr 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Obedience involves works and God is the author of salvation unto all who obey His commands.
In all the contexts which he is negative about works, Paul was remonstrating with the Jews against self-willed works versus those prompted by (motivated by) faith in and love for Christ. In every case he tried to convince them that salvation was not of self-generated works lest any man should boast.
I repeat because this is so key and important and is such a great issue in the professing Seventh-day Adventist Church today as well as in mainstream Christianity: Salvation is based on righteousness by faith--obedience out of faith and love. This is what Laodicea is admonished to buy--gold tried in the fire--faith and love--tried in the fire of trial and obedience motivated by faith in and love for Christ Jesus. This is the only conclusion that permits Paul not to contradict scripture and even himself when he says in Hebrews that God is the author of salvation unto all who obey. That saying of Paul's directly contradicts his saying that we are not saved by works. Obedience involves works. These are the main texts which must be interpreted so that nothing contradicts because God's word does not contradict:
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.
Jam 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Jam 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Mainstream Christianity has interpreted these verses to its own private interpretation and to their own desires and thus to their own damnation. As Ellen White says, it involves inconvenience to obey God and this is why they do not want to involve works of obedience with salvation. The inconvenience involved with obedience to the commands of God, is the "tried in the fire" element of the Laodicean Message. Faith and love are tried in the fire of the inconvenience of obedience. Also involved is the love of sin and the inconvenience of resisting and striving against it by dying daily to its temptations.
Brother Karl, you have admired and consulted the "dumb dog" watchmen (Isaiah 56:10-12) for so long, I fear that you will continue with your errant theology which is based on their findings. Please go to God who sends His Holy Spirit to teach us personally so we do not become entrapped in error. If Leroy Moore, Marsha and her Magisterium, or anyone else can help you out of this one, I want to see it. I will not be surprised if Marsha will try, but her attempt will fail.
"The Lord has not given man the work of putting yokes on the necks of His people, binding them in such a way that they are not free to look to Him and to be led and guided by Him. It is not the Lord’s design that His people shall be made amenable to their fellow men, who are themselves wholly dependent on God." Ellen G. White—Letter 76, 1902.
When we look to man (even the so-called "watchmen") and their thinking in lieu of seeking God, our minds may become subterfuged by their thinking. To the degree that men proffer their private interpretations of Scripture we should fear them. Scripture will interpret itself if we leave nothing out and seek to interpret all so that nothing contradicts. This is the only safe course.
God bless you and yours according to your correct interpretation of and obedience to His Holy Word,
Ron Beaulieu
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